plate no. 1302
View of the Roofs of Florence
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in value studies and atmospheric perspective using a limited palette. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the main buildings and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values first, blocking in the shadows on the roofs and foreground.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere in the background.
- step 04
Use a blending stump or soft cloth to soften edges and create smooth transitions between values.
- step 05
Add highlights to the buildings and architectural details to create contrast and visual interest.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foreground, adding texture and definition to the rooftops and surrounding areas.
- step 07
Check the overall balance of values and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add the artist's signature in the lower right corner.
color palette
primary · black · white · gray
secondary · ivory black · payne's gray
Vary the grays by mixing black and white in different proportions. Use ivory black to create warmer grays and payne's gray for cooler grays.
techniques
- ·value shading
- ·blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·hatching
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating harsh lines and edges instead of soft transitions.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not simplifying the complex cityscape into basic shapes.
materials
surface · pastel paper
required
- ·white paper
- ·black pastel sticks
- ·white pastel sticks
- ·gray pastel sticks
- ·blending stump
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·fixative spray
optional
- ·tortillon
- ·sandpaper block
- ·pastel pencils
Use a paper with a slightly textured surface to grip the pastel. Work in a well-ventilated area when using fixative spray.
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